José Mourinho criticized his squad after a 2-1 derby loss against Arsenal. “We played very badly in the first half. The score, 1-1, was not a fair reflection. We were bad. We defended badly. Without intensity or pressing. Some big players went into hiding, ”said the Tottenham manager, who was heard yelling at the Emirates Stadium.
“I don't want to talk about commitment, it was the same for both teams but they were much better in the first half. In the second we regain control of the game ”.
When asked to explain himself further, Mourinho later told reporters: “Playing in a London derby you are a great player. Playing in the Premier League you are a great player. It is not that I am pointing fingers at player A, B or C, not even pointing to myself because we are a team ”.
Erik Lamela's rabona shortly after half an hour was the Spurs' only quality moment in the first half. “The goal was sensational without a doubt. But the most important thing is the result and we lost the game, ”said Mourinho.
Gareth Bale and Tanguy Ndombélé were substituted in the second half. Mourinho explaining the reason in strong terms. “Intensity. Gareth and Tanguy, we needed more intensity in this match. Press more. We need to have more depth. We need to be more intense in the game, ”he added.
“We needed Sissoko (substitute) to give us that intensity in the center of the field that Tanguy did not give us. Even with 10 players, I think it was shown that our team improved significantly. The second half was our half ”.
Mourinho disagreed with referee Michael Oliver for awarding the penalty for a foul by Davinson Sánchez on Lacazette. “I don't want to call it a penalty, because it is a penalty offense,” said the Portuguese. “The players get tired, the coaches get tired, maybe the referees get tired too. My record with Michael Oliver on penalties with Chelsea, (Manchester) United and Tottenham is unfortunate.
A bad day for Spurs, seventh, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, one game down, was exacerbated by Son's muscle injury at 19 '. “I don't know how long he will be out. Muscle injuries are not easy. But Son recovers very well from any type of injury ”.